Rhulani hits back to defend misfiring Lorch

Orlando Pirates head coach Rhulani Mokwena came to Thembinkosi Lorch’s defence amid his recent discipline issues.

Read: Rhulani commendable of Chiefs’ consistency

The 26-year-old midfielder was sent off after his frustrations boiled off in their Absa Premiership clash against Polokwane City at Orlando Stadium.

Image result for Thembinkosi Lorch
Coach Rhulani Mokwena discipline Lorch after he picked up a yellow card in their Absa Premiership clash.
(Image: Gallo)

People have recently questioned Lorch’s professionalism and temper issues, however, coach Mokwena emphasized that ‘Nyoso’s temper is as a result of what he reads on social media and that people should not forget that he’s still the PSL Footballer of the Season.

“Unfortunately, we forget that he’s still reigning [PSL] Footballer of the Season. He is the Footballer of the Season,” defended Mokwena as quoted by KickOff.Com.

“And sometimes, I think we put undue pressure because of social media – some of the things that he reads also; the expectations are based more on that, but I always tell him, he’s still the best player in the country.

“Who has the Footballer of the Season award at home? It’s Thembinkosi Lorch. So, he’s got nothing to prove to anybody.”

“I think some of the incidents are difficult to assess because I think, particularly today’s incident – as much as I say it is definitely a red card, it’s an unfortunate one because he was fouled and after that they kicked the ball towards him,” Mokwena reflected.

“With a little bit more emotional intelligence, he could have avoided the situation, but it’s a completely different one to the Chiefs one, so we can’t be too critical of ‘Nyoso’.

“He’s still the best player in the country. If someone wants to argue with me, then we can argue because I talk stats; maybe the others [talk] opinion. The reigning footballer of the season award is at Thembinkosi Lorch’s house, and he’s still the best player in the country.”